Both the state Senate and the Assembly have awarded merit
increases of up to five percent to hundreds of their employees.

The raises come at the same time other state workers have had
their pay cut with monthly furlough days.

Jon Coupal is with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

He says the legislative staff pay raises will serve as
ammunition in the campaign against Governor Jerry Brown's tax
initiative this fall.

COUPAL: "The fact that any raises have been given in the
last two years during a period of time when California is suffering
11 percent unemployment just tremendously demonstrates the
disconnect between our political elite and ordinary
Californians."

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg announced a one year
pay freeze for Senate staff, but Coupal says that's like closing
the vault door after the bank has already been robbed.